Citizen Way 2.0

The Brand New Album Available Now!

About Citizen Way

What’s the 2.0 version of Citizen Way? That’s the question lead singer and songwriter Ben Calhoun found himself fielding after the band’s debut album Love is the Evidence gained them a devoted following and produced radio hits like "How Sweet The Sound" and "Should've Been Me."

Calhoun heard the question so often, he decided to name the group’s highly-anticipated sophomore album just that, 2.0.
“Everyone kept asking, ‘What’s the next record going to be? What’s the 2.0 version? What does it sound like?’ That kind of stuck.” Calhoun says. “This is what it sounds like. This is who we are. This is the new and improved Citizen Way.”

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About Citizen Way

The result is an 11-track record sporting pop-rock influences, infectious lyrics and a creatively ambitious new sound from the trio, composed of Ben and Josh Calhoun and David Blascoe. 2.0 sees the band pushing their artistic boundaries with songs like the funk-inspired “Bulletproof” and the soulful, stripped down ballad “I Will.” It also carries with it a decided level of maturity and vulnerability.

The band recently went through a season of changes. Bass guitarist Ben Blascoe announced his departure from the band as Calhoun and his family made the move from their home base at Judson University in Illinois to Nashville, Tennessee so that the vocalist could focus and invest in the group’s new record. The singer and his wife also experienced devastating loss with the miscarriage of his son, Jeremiah.

Calhoun relied on his music and the band to get him through the tragedy, and from it was born the album’s first single, “When I’m With You.”
“I wrote that after we lost Jeremiah,” Calhoun recalls. “So many things are wrapped up in this song. How death brought me closer to life. How losing a son made me love my little girls more when I didn’t know I could.”
The lyrics, Anytime, Anywhere, Any heartache/ I’m there/There’s never too much/There’s only grace, describe the singer’s unwavering sense of faith in spite of his family’s incredible loss.
“That’s how I feel about God’s word because that’s how it’s always been for me. It feels like I'm not alone in the foxhole. I’m getting shot at, but at least we’re together.”
The song is already striking a chord with the band’s fans.

“It does that thing that people connect with,” Calhoun says. “It grabs the heart, and it grabs the ear.”

If Love Is the Evidence was the band’s first impression, 2.0 is the group’s statement record. It’s a blend of old and new -- a chance for Calhoun to reach deep into the roots of his small-town Wisconsin upbringing while testing the limits of his musicality. The singer grew up listening to his mother playing Chopin, Mozart and Bach while artists like James Taylor, DC Talk and Newsboys took up valuable real estate on his own bedroom walls.

Those influences permeate the new album.

“It’s part of our DNA, it’s what we grew up with,” Calhoun says.
The album’s closing number “Bulletproof” is a testament to that. The bass-thumping, funk-pop throwback track fuses the beat of Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” with lyrics that echo Ephesians Chapter 6. The song speaks to the power of the armor of God mixed in a style that instantly transports you to a 70s roller skating rink.

“I’ve been through spiritual warfare where the enemy attacks me because I’m sharing the Gospel with people,” Calhoun says, “But I’m just operating in the way God’s made me. I want others to feel comfortable doing that too.”
Calhoun also wanted the album to show fans a more personal, intimate side of himself.

“I wanted to reach that little part in my heart and my soul that I haven’t reached yet, and I wanted to talk about it because it’s there to be explored.”
When Calhoun was just eight years old, the singer remembers seeing the Christian rock group Geoff Moore and the Distance live for the first time and feeling a seed being planted. He hopes Citizen Way can give that experience to the next generation.

“Knowing when we’re on stage and when we’re sharing the Gospel, we do the same thing and the Holy Spirit just waters those seeds and lets them grow just like he did for me, that’s everything,” the singer says.
The group prays their latest offering can meet people where they are, offering encouragement, uplifting their spirit and reminding them of the power of God’s promise.
“My goal is always to put a hook around God’s word and let people sing it,” Calhoun says. “I want people to fall in love with Jesus. If they come singing ‘Bulletproof’ or ‘I Will,’ then great. I just want them to know that the word of Jesus is something worth following and I’m going to spend my life and my energy on it because I believe in it that much.”

01. Elevated

Everyday it’s amazing the way that You’re taking me higher and higher

Got me up in the clouds and I ain’t coming down ‘cuz my hearts on fire

I wanna live I wanna love I wanna go where You take me

I wanna run I wanna jump I wanna fly

Elevated not by power not by might but by the Spirit

Elevated not by power not by might but by the Spirit

Elevated by the King

Elevated by the King

Not by power not by might but by the Spirit of the Lord

There’s not a weapon formed against me Lord that You can’t conquer

‘Cuz my wings are spread and my eyes are set so my feet don’t falter

Touch the sky so elevated

Not by sight not by religion

Saved by Grace by the Blood of Jesus

02. Rivals

Do you feel like you’re always fighting

In a war that you just can’t win

So you quit before you even try

What if I said I’ve been there

And I’m proof there’s victory

Over every darkness every lie

When we look to the Son

Our battle’s already won

We’ve got no rivals

‘Cuz He’s got no rivals

No matter what comes our way

We know we’ll be okay

We’ve got no rivals

‘Cuz he’s got no rivals

Greater is He that is in you

Than any power in this world

That’s a promise money just can’t buy

There’s gonna be pain

There’s gonna be trials

But lift your eyes up

Lift up your eyes

Whatever you do

Don’t fear nothing

Whatever you do

Just let Love let Love take control

03. When I’m With You

These are the things

That I need to pray

‘Cuz I can’t find peace any other way

I’m a mess underneath

And I’m just too scared to show it

Everything’s not fine

And I’m not okay

But it’s nice to know

I can come this way

When I’m with You

I feel the real me finally breaking through

It’s all because of You Jesus

Anytime anywhere any heartache

I’m never too much for You to take

There’s only love

There’s only grace

When I’m with You

Nobody knows me like You do

No need for walls

You see right through

Every hurt every scar every secret

You just love me

When everything’s not fine

And I’m not okay

It’s nice to know

I can come this way

I’m breathing in

I’m innocent

It’s like my heart’s on fire again

I’m not afraid

I’m not ashamed

I’m safe when I am with You

So I’m here just as I am

Bruised or broken

I don’t have to pretend

04. I Will

When the shadow won’t leave

When the battle won’t stop

And every breath that you breathe

Takes all that you’ve got

When you wonder if you’re always

Gonna feel this way

Hear the Lord of heaven say

I will hold you when you’re breaking

Like a father and a friend

And I will carry you through darkness

‘Til we see the sun again

So rest your head and cry your tears

Know that I am with you here

When you can’t lift that weight

Believe me when I say I will

I know you’re feeling overwhelmed

Before the day even begins

But I can see beyond the now

This is not how your story ends

And when you’re at your weakest

Oh I’ve never been more strong

So let me be the one you’re leaning on

I will dry your eyes

I will calm your fears

I will show you how you’re beautiful beautiful

I will walk with you

On the raging sea

And I will never leave

When there’s a door that you can’t open

When there’s a war that you can’t win

I will I will I will

05. Bigger

Once there was a time

I put You in a box

Told You what You are

And what You’re not

When everything was fine

I put You on the shelf

Running back to You

When I need help

But no more no more

‘Cuz You defied the laws of gravity

Took a near impossibility

A .01 percent certainty

And turned it into reality

Because You’re

Bigger bigger

Bigger than my problems

You’ve already solved them

Bigger bigger

Than I could ever understand

The universe at Your command

What can stand against me

When You’re bigger bigger biggerbigger

Ever since I took the dare

To take You at Your Word

Leave it all behind to seek You first

Every little scar

From walking in the dark

Every chain every blame every stain

Is no more no more

Innocent you paid the price

And took my place on the cross

The darkness had won the fight

For 3 days all hope was lost

Death had the victory

But the best part of this story

Is You schooled the grave and came back to life

That ol’ serpent couldn’t believe his eyes

Bigger than my regret and my sorrow

Bigger than all my fears of tomorrow

Bigger than anything I’m facing

I’m gonna trust in You because ‘cuz You’re Bigger

06. Revival

Renew in me a steadfast spirit

Where faith is more than what is seen

Where mountains move and darkness trembles

Only You can heal my unbelief

Start a revival in me

Start a revival in me

So strong so bright that the world will see Your light

Start a revival in me

A revival a revival

Apart from You I can do nothing

Replace my fear my doubt with truth

Make my desire just this one thing

What more is there than more of You

More of You

Hallelujah

07. Set It On Fire

They say always have a plan B

They say leave yourself an out

Better know your exit strategy

Don’t burn the bridges down

Well I’ve separated from the old me

You’d think I’d never return

But sometimes the strong

Can find themselves weak

Oh so let the whole thing burn

Set it on fire on fire on fire

Set it on fire on fire on fire

This is the heart reset

This is the 2.0

This is the wave goodbye

Or is it hello

This is the new me redeemed set free

Your love has sparked my heart

And set it on fire on fire on fire

Yea You set it on fire on fire on fire

There’s so much freedom

Waiting for me

Why would I waste my time

Thinking darkness is a part of me

When it’s just the absence of the light

I’m never going back

To the chains that were broken

Never going back to the grave

I’m never going back

My eyes have been opened

Never going back

No I’m never going back

08. On My Side

Fear is liar and the Devil’s a thief

He keeps creeping in whispering

You’re not man enough to make it

You’re not tough enough to take it

But I know the truth

I don’t have to be ‘cuz

My God is on my side

Why should I fear

Why should I hide

On the mountain

In the valley

His plans are good for me

This one thing I know

Whatever may come

Wherever I go

When I fall or When I fly

My God is on my side

On my side on my side

I remember the shackles

I remember the weight

And the guilt in a heart

That only knew how to break

But like summer in December

I found freedom in surrender

Grace cut my chains

How could I not believe

No matter how the battle looks

It won’t end in defeat

The King of all the universe

Fights the war for me

He’s won the victory

09. Just Hold On

I’m tired so tired

But I’m still so far

This race of life it never stops

Feels like I’m one big hopeless case

So here I am I’m giving up

My will my plans

I choose to trust that

Everything You say You do You do

And every little Word You speak is true

And You say You say

Hold on hold on

I am right beside you

Don’t you let go don’t let go

I will never leave you

You never have to be afraid

I will be with you always

Stand tall stand tall

What could stand against you

It’s not long not long

I’ll be coming for you

This isn’t where your heart belongs

So ‘til you’re singing heaven’s songs

Just hold on

I’ll fight the fight here on my knees

I might not see but I believe that

Everything You say You do You do

Every little word You speak is true

And You say You say

I’ll hold on to Your promises

Though I don’t know what lies ahead

You show Your faithfulness

Again and again and again

I love you I love you I love you

And it’s gonna be ok

I’m with you I’m with you

You don’t have to be afraid

This isn’t where your heart belongs

So ’til you’re singing heaven’s songs

Just hold on just hold on

10. All My Cares

I’ve been lost in the shadows

In the valley of despair

In the middle of a battle

Where I’ve never been more scared

But I believe that you see my struggle

I believe that you know my pain

So when I’m tired

When I’m lost

When I’m broken

And when I’m afraid

I give all

All

I give all

my cares to You

I give all

All

I give all

my cares to You

I can walk in the freedom

Knowing You are strong enough

To take my burdens

Oh God I lift them up

I believe that You see my struggle

I believe that You know my pain

So when I’m tired

When I’m lost

When I’m broken

And when I’m afraid

There’s no fear no doubt in Your name

For You have promised You’ll make a way

When I’m lost

When I’m tired

I give all my cares

Broken and afraid

I give all my cares

I know You love me

I give all my cares

I give all my cares to You

11. Bulletproof

I used to live like I was under attack

Dodging arrows from my past

I had no hope for tomorrow

Felt so much pressure yes I thought I would crack

But now there’s no looking back

I’m moving forward ‘cuz I know

I got my armor now

No fear no doubt can shoot me down

I got my armor now

No fear no doubt gonna shoot me down

CHORUS

Now I’m bulletproof because of you You

Because of youYou

And nNow I’m bulletproof because of you You

Because of youYou

You conquered the grave

Your love Love made a way

Now I’m not afraid

No matter what the world may say or what they do

I am bulletproof because of you You because of youYou

I know Yyou got this whole thing under control

My soul is untouchable because

You’ve already won me

My victory is not in this flesh and bone

It’s in the cross and I know

Nobody’s taking it from me

I got my armor now

No fear no doubt can shoot me down

I got my armor now

No fear no doubt gonna shoot me down

I don’t have to fear no more, worry no more

01. Nothing Ever (Could Separate Us)

No ocean no valley no mountain too high / No power on earth there’s no distance too wide / No height or no depth could keep me from Your love / No failure no weakness no doubt in my mind / No prison around me could keep You outside / No not even death can pull me from Your arms

Nothing ever could separate us / Nothing ever could separate us / Nothing ever could separate us now

And when I can’t see / You still I know You’re here / And when I can’t feel You Your promise is clear / Nothing I face can keep me from Your love

My Savior my healer my life and my hope / My treasure forever with You I belong / And even in death we won’t be torn apart / You gave it all to have me / You took the cross to save me

02. Evidence

It’s not a flag on a field / It’s not a sign in my yard / Not a cause that I join

Not a phrase on a coin / It’s the change in my heart / Mercy and grace and compassion / They’re only words without action / I need hands that are open / Reaching out to broken hearts / Cuz’ that’s the only way this world

Will ever know who You are / Love is the evidence / Love is the evidence

Might be the pain that you share / Might be the time that you spend / Or the war you don’t fight / Backing down from your pride / After all in the end

Mercy and grace and compassion / They’re only words without action / My life wasn’t changed by an argument / That never would have been enough

My life was changed by the evidence of love / Your hands that were open

Reaching out to my broken heart

03. All Things

I met a woman down the street at the park where my kids play / She was living underneath the trees because it’s pretty hard to find a job these days

We talked about the ups and downs of her life / As the tears filled her eyes she smiled and said something I will never forget / That in all things

All things / Give thanks to the One / Who meets our need before we know we even need it / Because all things are all the things I just can’t handle

So I hand it to the One who takes care of all things / Tweet tweet tweet way up high in the sky fly the little birds / Without a care in the world

And how much more does our Father provide for the ones He loves / And I’m ashamed how I complain everyday about things that don’t matter anyway

And it makes me think of the woman down the street who said / To the scared soldier there on the front lines / To the cancer patient running out of time / To the father afraid he’s gonna lose it all / To the single mom who doesn’t even know where to start / To the ones who think they’re all out of hope / To the ones who know the sting of death and feel all alone

Cast your cares for He cares for us / And there’s nothing in this life that’s bigger / Bigger than His love

04. Should’ve Been Me

I’ve read the story / I’ve seen the movie / I give to charity and tithe my ten percent / These I remember but I so easily forget / All these years never heard it like this / It should’ve been me / It should’ve been us / Should’ve been there hanging on a cross / All of this shame / All of these scars

Should have been stains that were never washed / Why do I hide / Why do You try over and over and over again / I guess it just leaves me sayin’ thank God / It leaves me sayin’ thank God / Thank God for the should’ve been / I live a good life / I love a great wife / Our kids are beautiful / We’ve got friends down the street / If I’m so thankful / Why do I easily forget / Oh that you died for all of this/ For this heart you changed / This soul you raised / My God for taking my place

05. Lights On

I don’t know why I didn’t see it before / I don’t know how but all I was searching for was You / You / All the lights that have kept me in the dark / They can’t provide the healing for this heart / Like You /You / You turned the lights on / The lights on / And you opened my eyes / Opened my eyes / When You shine on / You shine on / I come alive / I come alive Lights on / You turned the lights on / And now my fear like shadows have to flee / If there is hope as far as I can see / With You / With You

Out of the grave / Out of the dark / Out of these chains / Into Your arms

I am awake / I am alive / Forever safe and found in Your light

06. How Sweet The Sound

Yea though I walk through the valley / I know that You are always right beside me / And I will fear no evil / You’re my rock / And my strength

You comfort me / Amazing grace how sweet the sound / I hear You singing over me / I once was lost but now I’m found / And it’s beautiful / Amazing grace how sweet the sound / It covers every part of me / My soul is silent

I am found / And it’s a beautiful sound / Carry me through the waters

Where Your peace clears away all my sorrow / And nothing can separate us from Your love / Oh Your love it will always be / You were healing in the pain

You were shelter in the storm / Hallelujah You restore my soul

07. Fall Like The Rain

How do you deal with disaster / How do you cope with the pain / It’s hard to move on when regret, like an anchor / Makes you feel like you’re the one to blame / Why is healing so painful / It feels like I’m losing this war / But I know You’ll be there as we walk through this struggle / Because You’ve always been there before / There’s a peace that’s perfect / A hope that is real

There’s a plan and a purpose no matter how you feel / Just hold on to the promise that will never be undone / That when you fall like the rain / You’re gonna rise like the sun / Though the joy of tomorrow seems lost in the pain of today / There is no death, fear or sorrow that Your love can’t erase / Fall on the grace freely given to us / Rise He has conquered the grave / Remember forever when we say goodbye in Jesus name

08. Love Is A Mess

If it were up to me / There’d be an easier road than Calvary / If it were up to me

You would have escaped the suffering / But You saved me through what I would have seen as a tragedy / I used to think that / Love should never have to bleed / I used to think that / Life was all about the dream / But love is a mess

And life is a death / And you can’t escape the cost / Yea love is a mess / The story of the cross / If it were up to me / Life would be more like the movies / If it were up to me / I would choose a storybook ending / But I would never see the beauty of reality / God became a man / Heaven kissed the earth / The proof is in His hands / That love is worth the hurt / You came down to meet my need

And saw beauty in the mess of me

09. Where Would I Be Without You

I’ve been no stranger to struggle / I’ve made my share of mistakes / My foolish heart led to trouble / But I followed anyway / I’d be one big disappointment

If You hadn’t rescued me from me / Where would I be without You / Where would I be without You / Where would I be without You / You promise hope for tomorrow / You meet my need for today / And when I stray from the narrow, Lord / You lead me back in Your amazing grace / My fears distract me from living / But good thing all fear’s afraid of Your love / I would be nothing nowhere / I would be something less than better / Without You

10. Sing, Sing, Sing

Sing, sing, sing / If you feel alone / Sing, sing, sing / If you’re far from home If you’ve lost your way / If you just can’t say / Sing / Sing, sing, sing / If you’ve lost any years / Sing, sing, sing / If you’ve shed any tears / Make a brand new start / Mend a broken heart / Sing / Let it all out / Let it all out / Let it all out

Let it in / If you’re out of breath / Hanging by a thread / Your wings feel like lead / If it’s life or death / If you’ve given up / Your heart’s turned to rust